Tuesday, July 24, 2007

FIFA Recommends CAS

FIFA have declined to get involved in the Carlos Tevez dispute and have instead advised that the case is taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said,

"The recommendation from Fifa to the FA and the Premier League is to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Under the circumstances it was felt it would be in the best interest of all parties to take this course.

"It looks like being the fastest way of resolving this matter. It is not a refusal by Fifa to get involved, quite the contrary. It is a recommendation by Fifa to opt for this way."

West Ham have responded by saying they are happy for the matter to go to the CAS if all parties are happy with that. The Premier League for one support the decision. A spokesman said,

"The Premier League and FA are grateful to Fifa for considering this issue.

"We are supportive of the recommendation that if all parties are in agreement the matter should be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport."

The BBC report that CAS has not yet said whether they will hear the case. They also claim that Kia Joorabchian is considering taking the matter to the High Court in order to push through a deal before the transfer window closes on 31 August.